Reversible phase transitions in emulsified nanostructured lipid systems

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Aqueous submicron-sized dispersions of binary monolinolein/water systems stabilized by polymers exhibit unique internal nanostructures.
• Understanding the behavior and stability of these nanostructures is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temperature-dependent behavior of the internal nanostructure of polymer-stabilized monolinolein/water dispersions.
• To determine if these internal structures are in thermodynamic equilibrium with the surrounding aqueous phase.

Main Methods:

• Utilized temperature-controlled experiments to study submicron-sized dispersions.
• Characterized the internal nanostructure of dispersed particles using techniques sensitive to phase transitions.
• Monitored water exchange between dispersed particles and the continuous phase.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated reversible temperature-induced transitions of the internal nanostructure from cubic to hexagonal to fluid isotropic (L2 phase).
• Observed reversible expulsion and uptake of water by the dispersed particles with temperature changes.
• Showed excellent agreement between the internal structures of dispersed particles and non-dispersed systems at all temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The internal nanostructure of polymer-stabilized monolinolein/water dispersions can be reversibly tuned by temperature.
• The observed structures are in thermodynamic equilibrium with the surrounding water phase, irrespective of thermal history.